Bushra Bibi’s Influence on Pakistan’s Political Scene

• Bushra Bibi, ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, emerged into political spotlight during a rally by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in Islamabad.

• She appealed to PTI supporters to join the protest demanding Khan’s release from jail.

• Despite a ban order, thousands of PTI supporters marched into the city, defying a ban order.

• Bushra and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur retreated from the capital’s ‘Red Zone’ due to violent clashes.

• Bushra was introduced to Khan by her sister Maryam Riaz Wattoo in 2014 during a PTI’s’sit-in’ protest in Islamabad.

• She married Khan in a secret ceremony in February 2018, and has five children from her previous marriage.

• Bushra’s influence over Khan grew as he won the general elections and became Prime Minister in 2018.

• She has been accused of practising sorcery and hoodwinking Khan, reinforcing his belief in her powers.

• Bushra and Khan have become the PTI’s rallying point since their release, filling a leadership vacuum in the party.